Kuala Lumpur: The recent appointment of 25 religious scholars to the Interfaith Harmony Committee (JK HARMONI) underscores Malaysia’s dedication to promoting moderation and harmony, which are vital to the nation’s stability.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (YADIM) deputy president Associate Prof Dr Adi Anuar Azmin emphasized that the inclusion of representatives from various faiths, including 10 from Islam along with others from diverse religions, reflects an inclusive and constructive approach to interfaith relations. “This aligns with Islamic principles that promote tolerance, mutual respect, and openness in interactions among diverse religious communities,” he noted in a statement today.
Adi Anuar further stated that YADIM views this initiative as a significant step toward cultivating a culture of peace and harmony within society. The establishment of JK HARMONI strengthens collaboration among religious leaders and promotes a deeper understanding of the noble values inherent in each faith.
He commended Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership in prioritizing national unity and religious harmony under the Malaysia MADANI framework. “His commitment to balancing religious freedom with the sensitivities of the Muslim community is commendable and deserves our support,” he said.
As an institution committed to Islamic propagation, YADIM remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that foster harmony and cooperation among communities. “We believe that platforms like JK HARMONI serve as effective mechanisms in shaping a resilient Malaysia MADANI, grounded in values of moderation, justice, and collective well-being,” Adi Anuar added.
The 25-member committee, appointed during a meeting yesterday, comprises 10 representatives from Islam, four from Buddhism, four from Christianity, two from Hinduism, one from Sikhism, two from Taoism, one from the Bahai Faith, and a representative from the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR), Sarawak.
Meanwhile, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) has urged all parties to act responsibly and avoid politicizing the membership composition of JK HARMONI, following social media posts attempting to highlight the issue. It warned that such actions could cause unnecessary public unease.
Its director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee clarified that JK HARMONI is not a newly formed committee but has been in place since August 14, 2020, following the rebranding of the Committee for Promoting Understanding and Harmony Among Religious Adherents (JKMPKA), which operated from 2010 to 2019. “The membership structure has remained unchanged since January 2021, with 10 Muslim representatives and 15 non-Muslim representatives. The committee plays a key role in advising the government on strategies rooted in religious values to foster understanding and harmony. It also organizes awareness programs and interfaith activities for the benefit of society,” he said in a statement today.